Por el bien de pescadores

After the election of a new Board of Directors for the fishing cooperative "Patria & Progreso", the new administration plans to initiate the process for sale of the property occupied by the group, which is valued at 15 to 20 million pesos. This was confirmed by the newly elected president, Jaime Osaorio Sanchez, who said they will seek the best option or the highest bidder, with the intention that the proceeds of the sale will benefit the members of the cooperative.

Regarding the sale of the facility, it is said that seafood buyer Alvaro Burgos Rios is offering 100,000 pesos to each of the members, which includes 70 or 80 fishermen, which would make a lump sum of seven or eight million, but the value is estimated to be between 15 and 20 million pesos. The newly elected president said an offer of seven or eight million pesos is ridiculous when the Federal government just invested four million pesos in the construction of a pier. He said the improvements and property include an extensive area of the Federal Zone, a pier, and a large area, as well as the building with the offices, meeting room, and ice maker.

The president-elect said the new administration plans to work for the welfare of the members and employees that work for them daily, producing for the cooperative. He clarified that there is an agreement that Sr. Burgos Rios will continue to buy their products daily, as long as prices improve, which they consider to be too low. Sr. Osorio Sanchez said, "If prices improve, we will continue selling, while seeking the best prices from other buyers."

Regarding use of the facilities by the seafood buyer, he said that during the previous six years they never charged a penny, but now with the new administration things will work differently, and they will work on establishing a monthly charge.

Convoca Comuna a curso de Verano

Second state council of young environmentalists installed, in an environment of joy and enthusiasm.

High schools students from different municipalities around the state responded to this invitation to attend the Second State Council of Young Environmentalists, which took place at the Community Center in colonia la Gloria. Young people are participating with the goal to unify efforts and create proposals to optimize the use of natural resources, while finding solutions to environmental problems in their communities.
The event was attended by municipal treasurer Álvaro Magaña Galué, who was representing the Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez, and by the municipal Director of Ecology, Carlos Barranco. Each spoke about protecting the environment and offered appreciation to the participants and of their understanding of the importance of the issue and the meeting.
The event was also attended by Desarrollo Urbano y Medio Ambiente, (the director of Urban Development and the Environment) Josué Villanueva Vargas; el teniente Biólogo Marino (Lieutenant and marine biologist), Mariano Estrella en representación del Almirante de la Quinta Región Naval (who was representing Navy Admiral Juan Guillermo Fierro Rocha); Luis May Interian representante del secretario de Ecología y Medio Ambiente en Q. Roo (representing the state Secretary of Ecology and the Environment) and el director de Desarrollo Urbano del municipio de Solidaridad (and the director of Urban Development of the municipality of Solidaridad), Eduardo Moretín Ocejo.

The
City of Isla Mujeres, via the municipal Department of Culture, invites
children from 7 to 12 years old to enjoy
two fun and recreational courses.

Both will take place from July 20 to August 7th, and are called “Mis Vacaciones en la Biblioteca 2015” and “Vacacionarte”.
"My Vacation in the Library" is offered annually, giving children the option to enjoy books and reading in an fun manner. It is free and will be held at the municipal library "17 de Agosto" in colonia Salina Chica, behind las Gaviotas Park, on Monday thru Friday from 10am to 1pm. The municipal Director of Culture, Rubén Pérez Marín, said the activities offered will include crafts, reading workshops, field trips, and English classes, among other activities.
The other summer program, "Vacacionarte" will cost 250 pesos, which includes a tee shirt and materials for the artistic activities. It will take place from 10am to 1pm, Monday thru Friday, under the palapa of the Hacienda Mundaca.
Registration is open and those who are interested should go to the municipal Department of Culture in colonia Salina Chica, behind the las Gaviotas Park.

With great joy we celebrate the graduation of the high schools students of Colegio Bachilleres at the Isla Mujeres campus in a graduation ceremony. CONGRATULATIONS AND WE WISH THEM SUCCESS IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS THAT BEGINS TODAY

ECONOMÍA

The new administration of the fishing cooperative "Patria & Progreso", led by Jaime Osorio Sanchez, said there will be internal changes, starting with suspension of the existing agreement with the company that currently buys their seafood, because they claim the prices are too low. He said the new plans will ensure the welfare of the members and the employees who work and produce for the cooperative. He insisted that it is time for several changes to be made.

He said the only way they can continue working with the company of Álvaro Burgos Ríos, would be if the prices improve, which the new president says are considered to be very low. Regarding the use of the facilities, the cooperative has never collected a peso, but that is behind them now, he says, and there will be new conditions. He said if they wish to continue using the facilities, they will have to pay a monthly rent, or vacate. He explained that they want to use this monthly income to create a fund for medical assistance for the fishermen, which has never existed.

Regarding the rumor about the sale of the cooperative, he acknowledged that there is this rumor about the existence of an offer by Sr. Burgos Rios of 100,000 pesos to each of the partners, but the new president considers this price very low, and to consider selling the offer would have to be at least 20 million pesos. He said the offer of seven or eight million is ridiculous, considering that just the most recent investment was four million pesos, which included renovating the pier.

It is recalled that yesterday, amid a heated meeting, the new board of directors were chosen.

Hyperbaric chamber is ready for operation

SOCIAL

Today is the first day of the lobster catching season, and the hyperbaric chamber is working optimally. It is recalled that there were 60 cases of decompression treated in the chamber last year, with no deaths, but there were a number of serious cases.
The capsule has been used during the off season for lobster hunting, for therapies such as treatment of skin ulcers or other problems such as those related to diabetes. It is recalled that the fishing cooperatives have affiliations with the chamber, and these token payments can save the life of a fisherman.

The Federal Consumer Protection agency (PROFECO) gave a training course to 28 representatives from businesses including restaurants, hotels, souvenir stores, and golf cart rental agencies. It was announced that although PROFECO does not have an office on the island, complaints can be filed online, with the guarantee that they will be processed.
It was announced that there will be a PROFECO office installed at the API Terminal in Isla Mujeres that will be operational during the summer holidays to provide facilities for tourists to file complaints, and it is expected (hoped) that residents can bring their complaints also about local issues relating to service from companies such as Cablemas, Telmex, CFE, and Aguakan.
Training was offered to members of the business community so they can be prepared for the inspections that are likely to occur during the summer holidays, to avoid penalties or even closure. The training was provided by Jazmin Garnica Ortiz, of the department of Educations and Outreach of PROFECO. The attendees listened attentively to the explanations and watched the presentations on the screen with interest. Among the topics she discussed were the obligations of those businesses who display their prices in pesos and dollars to include the exchange rate, the obligation to have scales properly calibrated, and that promotions must be honored, and abusive practices and methods must not be employed.
The course focused on acquainting tourism providers of all types with the specifications required for the products and services they offer, and their menus and signs. In the case of restaurants, they should have a menu that can be seen, for food and for drinks, with prices in pesos, and dollars, if dollars are accepted, and then it should include the exchange rate that is being used. Businesses should have all products labeled and jewelry store items should have the proper stamps. Stores dedicated to selling clothing must meet specific standards such as labels that include the source and the instructions for washing. Regarding alcohol, the bottles should have the official seal and labeling as required by law.

The president of the Federación de Cooperativas de la Industria Pesquera, (Fishing Cooperatives Federation of Quintana Roo), Baltazar Gómez Catzín, said that after four months of closure, the season for catching lobster is about to begin, and the 24 cooperatives of the state are expected to capture eight tonnes of whole lobster and two tonnes of tails, on the first day alone. He said that on the first day of the season, production is higher in the southern part of the state. It is estimated that between the three cooperatives of that area, on the first day of July alone, they will return with a tonne to a tone and a half of lobster.
The cooperatives are selling them for "250 pesos el kilo de cola y 460 pesos el kilo de viva” (This is reversed & should say 250 pesos/kilo for live lobster and 460 pesos/kilo for tails). Sr. Gómez Catzín said that on the first days of the season, in Isla Mujeres, the product is usually quite scarce, and it is estimated that each cooperative will only capture 50-80 kilos and that among the five cooperatives they will capture a half tonne of live lobsters and a tonne of tails.
He said that unfortunately lobster have been scarcer each season in the areas where the fishermen have traditionally encountered them, and now they must travel farther, which increases the chances of decompression, since they must dive to greater depths. He noted that the Management Plan for the Isla Contoy National Park allows the lobster fishermen to only free dive, using the air in their lungs, within the Park, while a mile and a half from Contoy they can use tanks or a compressor.
He said regarding the fishing camps on the northern end of Isla Contoy, theoretically they can have access after September 2nd, but if the lobster are moving in that area, they could be given access anytime after July 1st, when the season has begun. However, the possibility of this sort of bonanza is not likely, because there are no indications that they are not moving in that area now.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

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MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

Poc Na has late night live music

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo live music some evenings ~7-11

La Terraza ~10-12

Fenix ~2p~5p Sundays, live music on the beach

Veradara's restaurant: live Cuban music weekend afternoons

Walk around Hidalgo at night & listen for live music

Strolling musicians working for tips available afternoons & evenings

Click on the map for more info

And check out the Ixchel mural at MVC by Colegio Bachilleres (Aeropuerto)

MVC recommends these & we have a few to loan to guests, who say they are Very Helpful